Thigh circumference at birth as the best predictor of low birth weight babies

The present study was undertaken to find out the best simple anthropometric parameter for identifying low birth weight babies (LBW). A total of 1000 newborn babies were subjected to anthropometry within 48 hours of life. Birth weight was significantly correlated (p less than 0.001) with thigh circumference (TC), mid-arm circumference (MAC), chest circumference (CC), length (L) and head circumference (HC). However, the correlation was maximum for TC (r = 0.9201). All anthropometric indicators had a statistically significant sensitivity, specificity and predictive value (p less than 0.001) for identifying less than or equal to 2500 g birth weight babies. However, thigh circumference of less than or equal to 14.5 cm and less than or equal to 13.5 cm had the best sensitivity, specificity and predictive value for identifying babies with birth weight of less than or equal to 2500 g and less than or equal to 2000 g, respectively. TC at birth is a cheap, simple, quick and reliable indicator for predicting LBW babies. It may be used whenever weighing at birth is not feasible.